How Often to Water Cordyline – Complete Watering Guide

Cordylines are hardy, colourful plants that tolerate a range of conditions, but they do best with consistent watering. Water your cordyline whenever the top 5–7 cm of soil feels dry. Outdoors, this usually means once or twice a week in warmer months, while indoors it may only be every 7–10 days. The key is to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Alongside proper watering, regular feeding with a balanced fertiliser like CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 keeps cordylines lush and healthy.

How Much Water Do Cordylines Need?

Cordylines prefer deep watering rather than frequent light sprinkles. Give the soil a thorough soak until water drains from the base of the pot or into the ground, then allow the upper layer of soil to dry before watering again. This encourages stronger root development and prevents shallow, weak roots.

In pots: Water until it runs freely from drainage holes, then discard excess water from saucers.
In garden beds: Apply water slowly at the base to allow it to soak in deeply.
Avoid keeping soil constantly wet, which can cause root rot.

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How Often to Water Cordylines

The frequency of watering depends on whether your cordyline is indoors or outdoors, the season, and the type of soil it’s planted in. Instead of watering on a strict schedule, check the soil moisture regularly.

Outdoors

Summer: Water once or twice per week, more often in extreme heat.
Winter: Reduce to every 10–14 days, depending on rainfall.
Soil type: Sandy soils dry faster and may require more frequent watering than loamy or clay soils.

Indoors

Water about every 7–10 days in warm months.
Check soil moisture before watering — pots may dry slower indoors.
Mist leaves occasionally if the air is dry, especially in heated or air-conditioned rooms.

Regular feeding complements watering. A balanced fertiliser such as NPK 20-20-20 provides the nutrients cordylines need to make the most of good hydration, supporting healthy foliage and strong roots.

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Cordyline Watering FAQs

How often should I water my cordyline?
Water when the top 5–7 cm of soil feels dry. Outdoors this is usually once or twice a week in summer, and indoors about every 7–10 days.

Can you overwater a cordyline?
Yes. Overwatering leads to yellowing leaves, mushy roots, and potential plant loss. Always ensure the soil drains well.

Do cordylines like lots of water?
They enjoy consistent moisture but not waterlogging. Deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent light sprinkles.

What’s the best way to water cordylines in pots?
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then empty saucers to avoid root rot.

By following a soil-check method instead of a strict calendar, you’ll avoid both under- and overwatering. Combine this with regular feeding using CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 and your cordyline will maintain strong, vibrant foliage all year.